ADDIS ABABA, July 6 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Ethiopia said it would grant
two telecom licenses to private firms and sell a minority stake in Ethio
Telecom, the sole operator, as the government opens sectors long closed to
outsiders.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced last year plans to privatise a swathe
of industries and allow foreign and private investors into key state-owned
companies in an effort to attract new players to the economy.
State Minister of Finance Eyob Tekalign Tolina unveiled plans “to sell up
to 49 percent stake in Ethio-Telecom to private firms and give telecom
licenses to two private telecom operators”.
“Ethiopia plans to make Ethio-Telecom a first-class service provider,” he
told reporters in Addis Ababa.
“The government plans to open the sector to competition in addition to
partial privatisation, to improve Ethiopia’s digital footprint”.
It is estimated Ethio Telecom, the country’s only mobile and internet
provider, has 40 million customers.
Eyob declined to detail which firms had expressed interest in the telecom
offer, but stiff competition is expected from foreign multinationals keen on
entry into one of Africa’s largest markets.
Ethiopia is Africa’s fastest-growing economy but faces soaring debt, poor-
performing industries and a foreign exchange shortage.
The government owns most of Ethiopia’s major industries, and foreign
businesses are kept out of banking, retail and other key sectors, unlike
other rapid-growing African economies.
In another reversal of long-standing policy, Ethiopia will also open parts
of its agricultural sector to outsiders.
Eyob said several state-owned sugar projects would be sold, with foreign
firms given the option of direct sale or entering joint ventures of public-
private partnerships.
“Ethiopia has sought investment form foreign buyers located in Europe,
Asian and even African countries. The Ethiopia Ministry of Finance and
Economic Cooperation expects the privatisation of at least five to six sugar
factories within six to twelve months” he said.
Ethiopia has in recent years invested billions in the sugar sector to meet
fast-rising local demand and to bolster export revenue.
But the sector has been dogged by allegations of mismanagement and
corruption and many state-run mills have suffered major losses. — NNN-AGENCIES
